The Trevon Diggs situation keeps finding ways to get weirder as the Dallas Cowboys approach decision time

The Cowboys and Trevon Diggs are going through a rough patch. And Brian Schottenheimer’s comments show it.

Mauricio Rodriguez — Dallas Cowboys News Writer
Add as preferred source on Google
Aug 16, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs (7) looks on before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium.
Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs was a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice, but his return date is still blurry.

And to be honest, the situation keeps getting weirder and weirder. That’s because Diggs’ return to the field doesn’t hinge on health alone. Based on comments from Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer and Diggs’ history with the team this season, it sure sounds like there is more to the situation than just rehab. And it starts with the team wanting to see more from the veteran corner.

Brian Schottenheimer demands consistency from All-Pro cornerback

When discussing Diggs’ return to practice, Schottenheimer notably mentioned the coaching staff needs to make sure he can do “everything the right way.”

“He’s still in the ramp-up period,” Schottenheimer said Wednesday. “I think he does feel healthy. I know he wants to play, but at the end of the day, we have to do what we think is in the best interest of not just him, but also the football team.

“And when you miss time, the ramp-up period is good not just for your body, but for your mind and figuring out some of the defense, and there are some new faces in the huddle and things like that. Again, love him as a player, but ultimately he’s got to show us he’s ready to do everything the right way.”

At the very least, you have to admit Schottenheimer’s wording is uncommon for a player returning from injury, including his comment about playing him not necessarily being about the best interest of the team. His question even prompted a follow-up question on whether doing “everything” right meant things beyond the football field.

“Consistency through everything,” the head coach responded. “I mean, he’s no different than Dak Prescott or Jake Ferguson or Kenny Clark. Just continue to do everything the right way.”

Again, we have to ask ourselves why Schottenheimer compared Diggs to players considered top leaders in the locker room when discussing his consistency. It just doesn’t sound like either party is happy with one another.

Trevon Diggs’ situation has been weird for a while now

The notion that things are off between Diggs and the Cowboys isn’t based on his injury alone. Let’s recap:

  • In the offseason, the Cowboys enforced a $500,000 salary de-escalator on Diggs’ contract after he failed to meet a minimum amount of time spent working with the team. Diggs later told the media he let the Cowboys know where and how he was rehabbing.
  • In the Cowboys’ opening press conference at training camp, Jerry Jones publicly questioned if signing Diggs to a long-term deal was the right move.
  • Diggs stood up for then-teammate Micah Parsons when talking to the media in training camp, and criticized the front office alongside the latter.
  • Earlier in the year, Jones told the media that Diggs didn’t look physically ready for the season.
  • Diggs suffered a “home accident” on a Friday that landed him in the concussion protocol in October. He was later placed on Injured Reserve for it and for an unknown knee injury, which was not disclosed to the public at the time.

Cowboys running out of time to make a decision

The Cowboys opened Diggs’ 21-day practice window on Nov. 30, meaning they have until Dec. 21 to move him off of IR and place him on the 53-man roster. If they don’t, Diggs would be moved back to IR for the rest of the season.

With the way the Cowboys are questioning if he’s ready entering Week 15, it doesn’t sound like a guarantee he will be activated. Time will tell, however, and Diggs is practicing for the second consecutive week (limited).

Diggs’ contract foreshadows likely divorce

Whether or not Diggs plays again this season remains a mystery. But what appears to be more certain is that Diggs will be playing elsewhere next year.

He’s due for a $18.4 million cap hit next year, and he will no longer have any guaranteed salary. My best guess is the Cowboys will move on after 2025. My question right now is if they already did.

Related Articles